January 9, 2018 — Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis has selected Fr. William (Bill) Verbryke, SJ, as its next president; he will assume leadership of the school beginning July 1, 2018. Fr. Verbryke will succeed Fr. Jack Dennis, SJ, who announced in September 2017 that he would be returning to work for the Maryland Province in his hometown of Baltimore. Brebeuf selected Fr. Verbryke as its 12th president on the recommendation of a Presidential Search Committee, which was convened last fall.

“I look forward to working with the exceptional leadership team, faculty, and staff to continue Brebeuf’s history of excellence, which includes ensuring continuation of the academic and formational standards that are hallmarks of a Jesuit education,” said Fr. Verbryke, who is currently serving as the school’s Vice President of Mission and Jesuit Identity, and also is a member of the Board of Trustees. He has been a full-time member of the school’s leadership team since October 2016.

Fr. Verbryke joined the Jesuit Candidates program while attending the University of Cincinnati and entered the Society of Jesus in 1973. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1983. This journey included serving as a faculty member at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois; obtaining his Master in Divinity and Theology at Berkeley; serving as the Director of Vocations for the Midwest Province (former Chicago Province) of the Society of Jesus; and returning to his alma mater, St. Xavier High School, where he served as president for 10 years. Following his service to St. Xavier, he then served as Director of Novices in Detroit for eight years before returning Cincinnati to serve as the rector of the Jesuit Community.

“Fr. Verbryke’s experience as the highly-accomplished president at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati and his significant contributions since arriving at Brebeuf Jesuit established him as the ideal future leader for our school,” said W. Patrick Bruen ‘79, Chair, Brebeuf Jesuit Board of Trustees. “We believe that he will work collaboratively to elevate Brebeuf to new heights of excellence. Fr. Verbryke will be an engaging and motivating leader for our students, faculty and staff, and the entire school community.”

In announcing the leadership change, Bruen, on behalf of the board and school, expressed gratitude to Fr. Dennis, who has served as Brebeuf Jesuit’s president since 2012. Fr. Dennis’ leadership delivered a sustained increase in enrollment, successful completion of an $8 million capital campaign, and vital and innovative improvements to the campus facilities. His commitment to ensuring that all students are successful in their calling to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents nurtured and grew Brebeuf’s vibrant and active faith community.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as president of Brebeuf Jesuit and congratulate Fr. Verbryke on his appointment,” Fr. Dennis said. “Our faculty and staff, students and families deserve committed, effective leadership, and I’m thrilled for the school’s future.”

August 21, 2018 – As we reckon with the Grand Jury report on sexual abuse by priests in Pennsylvania and the failures of bishops to protect the children entrusted to their care, our hearts and prayers—first and foremost—are with the victim-survivors.

January 17, 2019 — Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Eugene F. Merz, SJ, who was called to eternal life on January 16, 2019, around 5:30 a.m. Gene died at Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was eighty-seven years old, a Jesuit for seventy years, and a priest for fifty-seven years.

January 16, 2019 — It was a homecoming fifty years in the making. In 2016, Fr. Casey Bukala, SJ, moved to the Colombiere Center near Detroit, where elder Jesuits live in community, receive the healthcare they need, and pray for the Church and the Society. It was not Fr. Bukala’s first time at Colombiere, however.

January 9, 2019 — Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. John “Jack” R. Crocker, SJ, who died on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 88 years old. May he rest in peace.